What
do these CT findings mean? Mild centrilobular emphysema is seen in
the upper lobes.

There
is mixed attenuation patter to both lung parenchymas.

There
are small sub centimeter nodules the largest 6 mm that has grown in
size in reference to outside studies with measured 4.5 mm.

All of
these nodules are noted along the major and minor fissure of the right
lung. Similar but smaller nodules are seen along the left major fissure.
No masses or consolidations. No pleural thickening or pleural effusions.

Answer:

Thank
you very much for your question.

Centrilobular
emphysema is an emphysema affecting the central portion of secondary
pulmonary lobules, around the central bronchiole, typically involving
the superior part of the lungs or lobes; may be related to inflammation
of the bronchioles and to the effects of inhaled dust, which aggregates
next to respiratory bronchioles; seen in coalworker's pneumoconiosis
and (in mild form) asymptomatic city dwellers.

Emphysema
is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emphysema is defined
pathologically as an abnormal permanent enlargement of air spaces
distal to the terminal bronchioles, accompanied by the destruction
of alveolar walls and without obvious fibrosis

Pulmonary
emphysema is a irreversible disease that consists of destruction of
alveolar walls. It occurs in two forms,centrilobular emphysema, in
which the destruction begins at the centre of the lobule, and panlobular
(or panacinar) emphysema, in which alveolar destruction occurs in
all alveoli within the lobule simultaneously. In advanced cases of
either type, this distinction can be difficult to make.

Centrilobular
nodules are often centered 5-10 mm from the pleural surface and do
not occur in relation to interlobular septa.

Emphysema
typically presents as areas of low attenuation without visible walls
as a result of parenchymal destruction.

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